For this assignment, you will listen to the first three episodes of Season 36 of the Business Wars podcast The North Face vs Patagonia and answer the questions below. You are free to use any podcast steaming service, or follow the links provided.
https://www.stitcher.com/show/business-wars/episode/the-north-face-vs-patagonia-dirtbags-1-68281356
https://www.stitcher.com/show/business-wars/episode/the-north-face-vs-patagonia-patagucci-3-68492238
Q1: Both The North Face and Pategonia were started by climbing enthusiasts. How did this impact their strategies?
Q2: Chouinard took a massive risk by promoting "clean climbing." Why did he do this? Do you agree with his decision?
Q3: In episode 3 there is a reference to the railroad industry. "One reason the railroads went bust, is because they… thought they were in the railroad business when in fact they were in the transportation business." What does this mean?
Q4: What is one single lesson you are taking away from this story?
Sample Solution